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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM FEBRUARY 2024
Fate Led Me to My Forever Valentine
Isn’t it crazy how fate pulls the strings in our lives? It’s like this invisible force behind chance meetings, unexpected turns, and those moments that feel too perfect to be coincidences. Fate’s the friend who sets up the best surprises and guides us toward the people and places we’re meant to find. It’s in those random encounters and serendipitous adventures where life's magic lies. Sometimes, it's a wink from the universe, reminding us that maybe, just maybe, there’s something incredible waiting around the next corner — all thanks to fate's playful hand in our lives. I was 22 when I met my wife and forever Valentine, Beth, at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho — and I think I owe this blessing to fate. It was her first semester, and it was my fifth semester and the first day of winter classes. As I entered one of my classes, the first thing I did was scope out the room, taking note of any pretty girls. I immediately saw Beth and thought she was really cute. However, Beth was sitting on the other side of the room, and as that first class went on, I noticed that she was sitting next to a guy, and they seemed to be pretty friendly, talking quite a bit. I assumed that they were dating. About a month into the semester, in my Spanish class, the professor placed us into groups for a project. It just so happened that the guy I assumed Beth was dating was in my group — call it fate or just a strange coincidence. When he mentioned something about his girlfriend, I said,“Oh! The girl in the other class that we have together?”Immediately, a look of confusion washed over his face as he told me that he and Beth were just friends from high school and his girlfriend was somebody else. I was elated to hear this, and my next question for him was whether or not he knew if she was dating anyone. He told me that she didn’t have a boyfriend, and I was thrilled — I had a chance. I later found out that he was wrong and she was, in fact, dating someone, but I’m glad he didn’t know about it because that would have thwarted any plans I had of asking her out. Another couple of weeks went by, and being the ultimate procrastinator that I was, I waited until the last hour before a paper was due to get started on it. I was in the university computer lab, furiously typing away to finish in time, and guess who was sitting at
the computer next to me, working on the same paper for the same class? Beth!“Working on the paper due in an hour, too, huh?”I said to her. We joked about it for a minute and then got right back to work. I’m still amazed today at the fate that put us together. Back in the day, when you entered the computer lab, you had to enter your student number into a machine and you were assigned a computer. Somehow, out of the hundreds of computers in the lab, we were placed right next to each other. After what was close to an hour, we had about 10 minutes left until class was due to start, and I noticed that Beth was finished with her paper and just fidgeting around. It almost seemed like she was waiting for me. I still wasn’t quite finished, but I hurried and wrapped it up and she was still waiting for me to finish up. Then, we took our first of many walks together. While walking back to class, I was able to get her name and number, and the rest is history! We wound up dating a few weeks later, and after a few breakups and getting back together, I was lucky enough to have her say“yes”when I got down on one knee! Fate works wonders and led me to my wife, my forever Valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day!
–Dr. Elkins
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THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING
A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as“cat naps”— are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful.You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the
entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time.
have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Fluoride’s Crucial Role in Dental Protection and Wellness
Fluoride, often known as a defender of dental health, plays an important role in protecting our teeth against decay and preserving oral wellness. This mineral is naturally present in various foods and water sources, but its significance in oral care extends far beyond its natural occurrence. It’s also present in toothpaste and water fluoridation programs, contributing to improved dental health around the world. One of fluoride's primary roles lies in the remineralization of tooth enamel. Enamel, the outer layer of teeth, acts as a protective shield against bacterial attacks and acid erosion. When acids produced by bacteria or from dietary sources compromise this enamel, it can lead to decay and cavities. Fluoride intervenes in this process by remineralizing weakened enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and hindering cavity formation. Fluoride is highly adept at thwarting bacteria's ability to produce harmful acids. It actively disrupts the metabolic processes of bacteria in the mouth, curtailing their ability to generate acids that erode tooth enamel. By inhibiting this acid production, fluoride helps maintain a balanced oral environment, reducing the risk of cavities and decay. Another critical role of fluoride lies in fostering the development of stronger teeth in children. When incorporated into developing teeth, fluoride aids in fortifying the enamel structure as teeth grow, making
them more resilient to decay. Exposure to fluoride during childhood — whether through fluoridated water, toothpaste, or professional treatments — can significantly impact a child's dental health and potentially prevent future oral issues.
Fluoride's protective power isn't limited to children — adults also benefit from its preventive effects. Incorporating fluoride into daily oral care routines through fluoridated toothpaste or mouth rinses reinforces the enamel's resilience, providing ongoing protection against decay. Regular exposure to fluoride assists in repairing microscopic enamel damage, preserving oral health as we age. Incorporating fluoride into our oral care routines, alongside regular dental check-ups and a balanced diet, contributes significantly to fostering healthy, resilient teeth and gums for a lifetime. Does your toothpaste contain fluoride? Discuss the right toothpaste for you with our team during your next visit!
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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Puff Pastry Berry Hearts Inspired by Weelicious.com
Ingredients
MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 1 tsp powdered sugar • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?”
Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions • 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
JOKES DAD
What is a ghost’s favorite month? Feb-BOO-uary.
What do you call sweets that can keep a beat? Candy rappers.
Do you have a date for Valentine’s Day? Yes, February 14th.
Facts Tooth Fun The Sneaky Culprit: How Acidity in Foods Damages Tooth Enamel The impact of acidity in our diet goes beyond digestive discomfort; it significantly affects oral health, particularly the erosion of tooth enamel, a crucial protective layer. Enamel shields teeth from decay and sensitivity, but when exposed to acidic foods and drinks, it undergoes demineralization, weakening its structure. Many popular items in our daily consumption, such as citrus fruits, sodas, wines, and certain types of candies, are highly acidic. Frequent exposure to these substances erodes enamel over time, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. As enamel wears away, the underlying dentin becomes more exposed, leading to heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. To mitigate these effects, moderation and preventive measures are key. Limiting the intake of highly acidic foods and beverages reduces the frequency of enamel exposure to these harmful acids!
DID YOU KNOW?
Valentine’s Day Fun Facts
Valentine's Day, celebrated on Feb. 14, is full of history and fun traditions. Here are some engaging tidbits about this romantic holiday. Ancient Roman Origins The origins of Valentine's Day can be traced to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February. This fertility festival included rituals and games to celebrate spring's arrival. Saint Valentine The holiday is named after St.Valentine, a Christian martyr. However, there were multiple martyrs named Valentine, so the true identity behind the holiday's namesake remains ambiguous. The Rise of Gifting The tradition of exchanging cards became popular in the 18th century in England. Handwritten notes and cards grew in popularity, evolving into the elaborate cards we see today. Global Celebrations Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but traditions can vary widely. In Japan, for instance, women give chocolates to men, while men reciprocate on White Day, a month later.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. A Chance Encounter That Led Me to My Forever Valentine
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2.
3. Puff Pastry
4.
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap
Michigan’s
Berry Hearts
Stray With the Biggest Heart
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
FROM STRAY DOG TO NURSING HOME HERO Scout's Heartwarming Tale
A heartwarming story unfolded about an hour north of Traverse City, Michigan. It's the tale of Scout, an adventurous dog whose journey from an abandoned stray to a beloved companion showcases the love our furry friends have for us. Scout's story began as a frequent escapee from Antrim County Animal Control. Scout constantly“slipped the leash”and traveled to the same
his original name was, or the exact abuse he suffered before finding his forever home. Scout flinches at loud sounds and has round pellets, likely buckshot or BBs, lodged in his face. But despite his past, Scout openly cares for and protects the residents of Meadow Brook. Scout now patrols Meadow Brook, visiting the residents as often as possible. Whenever someone is having a rough day,
location after all his escapes: the Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. Every time he escaped, Scout crossed a highway, jumped a 10-foot chain link fence and a 6-foot privacy fence, and slipped in the front door to sleep on his couch in the lobby. The nurses at Meadow Brook had to make a choice after Scout reappeared in their lobby for the third time. And after recognizing the patients wanted Scout around just as much as he wanted to be there, they happily took him in. After giving him a check-up, it was clear Scout had not lived the easiest life before finding his way to Meadow Brook. No one knows where he came from before escaping animal control for the first time, what
whether it’s because a friend forgot to visit or their health is acting up, Scout is there to ease their woes with a damp nose poking for affection and a doggy smile on his face. “He makes a good nursing home dog,” Stephanie Elsey, the facility’s clinical care coordinator, said.“He knows his job, and he’s good at what he does.” Scout's journey from a shelter's uncertainty to a beloved member of the Meadow Brook community is more than just a happy tale. It's a reminder of life's unexpected joys and the incredible, healing bond between humans and animals.
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